Perry United Methodist Church cooks for public safety, first responders

The Perry United Methodist Church Methodist Men honored the city of Perry Public Safety Department, police, fire and civilian employees with a cookout at the church fellowship hall Friday morning to show their appreciation.

Bob Messer said they typically have about 30-40 members who meet once a month (third Monday at 6:30 p.m.) and have dinner. He said they have a fundraiser once a year, where they do a Boston butt sale during Easter to spend back in the community. He said on Dec. 3, they are doing a Christmas party for the children at the Methodist Children’s Home in Macon. He said there are about 80 children, where many of them have had a tough family situation. He said they like to do things for them to show their appreciation. Also, on Dec. 8, they will provide barbecue at the VA hospital in Dublin. They do this twice a year. Messer said they sponsor a wing at the hospital.

He said they cooked for law enforcement, fire and first responders Friday to show their appreciation.

“There has been a lot of negative publicity,” Messer said. “I think public safety and first responders are getting the bad end of the publicity that’s coming out in some of the news media and there are a lot of protests going on and a lot of people that are out there yelling and screaming that they don’t like the police. We don’t agree with that. We think that they’re vital to the public safety and we wanted to show our appreciation to try to combat some of that negative publicity that has been spread around about them.”

Detective Constance Paige with the Perry Police Department, who has been a detective for a year but an officer for nine years, said Friday’s event reassures that “people appreciate what you do.”

“There are so many negative things in the media right now that kind of pin the public against officers,” she said. “But, it’s just refreshing and heartwarming to know that they care about us and have a love for police.” She said the public’s perspective is a working progress. She said there is still work to be done, but they are making strides to bridge that gap.

She thanked those who took the time out of their schedule to cook for them.

“It truly does mean a lot. I’m grateful,” Paige said.

She said within this past year, there has been several times where different people in the community have supported law enforcement.

Capt. Michael Paull with the Perry Fire Department said Friday’s event reinforces that the community recognizes them and knows that they’re there for them. He said opportunities like that, they get to interact with the public on a more personal basis, which means a lot in building relationships.

Paull said they have people and organizations from time to time that brings them things to show their appreciation.

“It’s a privilege to serve the citizens in the community,” he said. “It’s one of those rewarding jobs.”

He also encouraged citizens to change the batteries in their smoke detectors and with the holidays approaching, to keep their Christmas tree well watered and to not overload extension cords.

Others such as Lt. Chris Sutcliff and patrolmen Leon Roberts and Tyler Sluka with the Perry Police Department also agreed that Friday’s event was very generous.

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